
As the temperatures drop and you spend more time indoors, you might not think about how this weather impacts your lawn. But, just as you pull out sweaters to address this weather change, your lawn’s needs will also change. Preparing your lawn for cold weather ensures it stays healthy and vibrant when spring rolls back into town.
At Green Castle Lawn Care, we understand how impactful these pre-winter actions can be in ensuring your lawn looks its best when the weather warms up again. But, without proper education, you might not know how to protect your lawn ahead of winter. If you want to learn more about preparing your lawn for cold weather, keep reading to see what our team recommends.
1. Rake Up Leaves
As leaves begin to fall and cover your lawn, they can smother it. When the winter weather leaves town, and your lawn begins to grow again, you may notice dead patches. These dead patches can make your lawn more susceptible to disease. If you want to avoid this and protect your lawn in cold weather, raking leaves regularly is best. If you don’t want to rake the leaves, use a mulching mower to chop them up and return the nutrients from the leaves to the soil.

2. Aerate Your Soil
The soil beneath your grass can become incredibly compact as it gets wet. Whether it is exposed to rain or snow, the consistent precipitation through winter can significantly impact your grass’s ability to grow. To combat this compaction, you might want to consider aerating your lawn. Aeration loosens compacted soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more effectively. If you want to ensure your lawn’s success and health, investing in aeration services in early fall when your grass is still actively growing is best.
3. Apply Fertilizer
With so little organic growth through the cold weather months, it is essential that you provide your lawn with nutrients ahead of time. Fertilizing in the fall gives your lawn the nutrients it needs to survive the winter and return strong in the spring. To ensure your lawn is getting the proper nutrients from fertilization, it is best to work with a reliable lawn care company. They can assess your soil conditions and create a customized fertilization plan to ensure your lawn grows lush and strong when warmer weather returns.
4. Overseed Your Lawn
You may notice thin or bare spots across your lawn as the summer ends. While there isn’t much you can do as the season ends, fall may be the perfect time to consider overseeding. Overseeding fills in thin or bare spots, creating a thicker, more resilient lawn. Before the cold weather arrives, spread grass seed evenly over your lawn. You have the greatest chance of success if you do this after aerating your lawn, and remember to water regularly until this new grass seed is well-established.

5. Water Wisely
Adequate moisture is crucial for your lawn’s health, especially after aeration and overseeding. While you may want to avoid watering too much during the coldest months of the year, providing your lawn with some moisture is still important. Water your lawn deeply but infrequently, aiming for about 1 to 1.5 inches per week. Gradually reduce watering as temperatures drop, concluding watering once the temperature is about 40°F.
6. Control the Weeds
Nutrients for your grass can be hard to come by as the cold weather sets in, and weeds may add to this battle. Weeds compete with your grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Taking care of them in the fall prevents them from getting a head start in the spring. Consider investing in weed control services before winter to target any weeds that are still growing. Working with professionals can also ensure you choose a product that is safe for your grass type.
7. Mulch Your Flower Beds
There is more to worry about during the winter than just your lawn. Your flower beds also need a little extra care. A layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperature and moisture levels, protecting your plants’ roots during the winter. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your flower beds and trees. Be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the base of plants to prevent rot.
8. Clean and Store Your Garden Equipment
As the final step in preparing for cold weather, don’t forget to clean and store your garden equipment. Taking care of your tools extends their lifespan and ensures they’re ready to go when spring arrives. Before you store them, rinse these tools of any loose organic debris that may decompose on the surface of your tools, sharpen blades, and oil them. Once they’re clean and dry, store them in a dry, sheltered area like a garage or shed.
Prepare for Cold Weather with Green Castle Lawn Care

A little preparation for cold weather can go a long way in ensuring your lawn is prepared to handle winter weather and emerge in the spring looking lusher and greener than ever. By following these steps, you’ll give your lawn the best chance to thrive, no matter what weather rolls into town. If you’re looking for a lawn care company to help you prepare your lawn for winter, turn to our Green Castle Lawn Care team.
Since 1999, our team has provided expert lawn care to homeowners across Northern Utah. With 25 winters under our belt, you can trust that our team can help you protect your lawn from incoming cold weather, snow, and more. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team to prepare your lawn for the upcoming winter, don’t hesitate to contact us today.